There is a population of homelessness in every community across the United States. This fact really hit home as to how our local community is affected when just a couple weeks ago, a man (we will call Jack) and three young children came to The Family Center (TFC) seeking assistance and guidance. Jack was asked to care for the three children (he is not the children’s father). Jack was staying at a local motel with the children and their mother. The family ran out of funds to pay for the motel room, so were removed by police the previous evening. When the police ran a background check on the mother, they found that there was an active warrant so she was arrested. During the arrest the mother asked Jack to care for the children. Being homeless, with virtually nothing but the clothes on their backs, Jack was able to stay at a friend’s house overnight and the next morning the four walked to TFC seeking help.
Jack was unemployed, and had no means to feed or provide shelter for the children. The children were filthy and hungry. They were dressed, but not in proper attire for the time of the year, and one had wet pants. Jack was in need of help, but really didn’t know how to proceed. The agencies at TFC joined together to find clothing and snacks to get through the next couple hours. Case workers from Children’s Services were not available, so the local police came to help. Jack tried but didn’t even know simple things like last names or birthdays for the children or contact information for relatives.
Once the police arrived, they needed to figure out a solution and resolve the situation. Jack knew he was not able to care for the children. In the middle of all the confusion, the children had been washed and changed by agency staff. The children were hungry. Debbie, CCH Office Manager, ran to McDonald’s to get lunch for the little ones.
When Debbie had returned, she found that the police were able to contact a grandmother and the oldest child would be placed in her custody. The grandmother was able to give the police contact information for the father of the younger two.
There were no car seats to transport the children. Debbie again came to the rescue by going to Walmart and purchasing seats for all three children. It was heart wrenching to place the children into their father’s car. He was a stranger to them. We continue to pray that God’s plan will keep them safe.
Today, more than ever before, CCH staff and volunteers are witnessing a large population of homelessness in our community — people living in their cars, on the streets, or couch surfing from one location to another.
If asked does CCH buy lunch at McDonald’s? The immediate answer would be no; but on days like the Monday described above, the real answer is yes! Without our wonderful donors, this process may have not happened. We ask that you, as a donor, continue to please pray for our mission and provide support however you are able to do so.
Donations to help can be made at www.cchsupport.org
Thank you!
